Jeff Hood, Senior Writer
Jeff Hood wrote for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Oct. 2003 through March 2009. He covered NASCAR for the AJC from 2005 through 2008 and had a weekly NASCAR-theme radio show on WMOQ 92.3 FM in Monroe, Ga. from 1999 through 2005. In addition, Jeff wrote press releases and handled the P.A. for Lanier National Speedway in Braselton, Ga. from 1998 through 2004.
Articles by Jeff Hood
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Concord, N.C. – As a steady drizzle fell over Lowe’s Motor Speedway, NASCAR driver Morgan Shepherd found time Thursday afternoon to disclose how he celebrated his 68th birthday on Monday.
“I gave everybody the day off and I worked on the race car,” said Shepherd, as a wide-smile flashed across his face.
A driver [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Concord, N.C. – If Jimmie Johnson captures a fourth consecutive Sprint Cup championship, he’ll do so despite being forced to use three different rear-tire changers during the final third of the season.
After rear-tire changer Jeremy West was sidelined by back surgery following the night race at Bristol in August, crew chief [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Fontana, Calif. – Seconds after flashing his boyish, All-American smile, 18-year-old Trevor Bayne stood in the NASCAR Nationwide Series garage on Friday and calmly delivered a bold prediction about today’s Copart 300 at Auto Club Speedway.
“I think a top-five finish is a good expectation for me,” said Bayne, who will [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Fontana, Calif. – Former Indy 500 champion and Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya believes it would be a mistake for Danica Patrick to run a partial stock car schedule next season while competing for the 2010 Indy Car Series championship.
“I wouldn’t be driving both cars, to be honest,” said [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Kansas City, Kan. – George Gillett Jr., co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, met with the media Saturday morning at Kansas Speedway to clear the air on several issues regarding his organization.
Gillett confirmed that the proposed merger between Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing will likely occur.
He also said a trip [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Kansas City, Kan. – A fixture in each Chase for the Sprint Cup championship since 2006, Jeff Burton finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
As NASCAR’s playoffs rolls into Kansas Speedway for Sunday’s Price Chopper 400, the 21-time Cup race winner is forced to carry the “non-Chaser” label.
And Burton isn’t happy about it.
“It’s been painful [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Dover, Del. – It’s been a good year for Sprint Cup Chase contender Denny Hamlin, who took a shot at NASCAR tire supplier Goodyear on Friday at Dover International Speedway.
The driver of Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 Toyota Camry isn’t happy with the fact that Goodyear isn’t using the tire recommended [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Dover, Del. – Strike up the band for the over-the-hill guys.
Much like 59-year-old golfer Tom Watson did in July when he dominated the British Open before losing in a playoff, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Mark Martin is energizing American sports fans by contending for a championship at the ripe old [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Richmond, Va. – Would a NASCAR driver intentionally throw a race to assist a teammate?
That was a major topic of discussion on the eve of Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, which will set the field for this year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.
Though several drivers [...]
By Jeff Hood | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
Hampton, Ga. – Just when Kevin Harvick appeared primed to snap a 105-race winless streak, one of his Richard Childress Racing teammates wound up breaking his heart.
When Clint Bowyer’s No. 33 Chevrolet slid through the grass to bring out the final caution in Sunday night’s Pep Boys Auto 500 at [...]